Last Friday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 97, a bill that will phase out the use of trans fats in all California restaurants beginning in 2010 and from all baked goods by 2011.

“California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition, and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats,” Schwarzenegger said. “Consuming trans fat is linked to coronary heart disease, and we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California.”

Scientific evidence demonstrates a strong association between consumption of artificial trans fat and the development of coronary heart disease and stroke, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, eliminating artificial trans fats from our food supply could prevent between 6% and 19% of heart attacks and related deaths each year. Coronary heart disease is California’s leading cause of death.

This isn’t Schwarzenegger’s first legislative foray into nutrition. He has already:

Established tough school nutrition reforms, removing junk food and sugary sodas from campuses.

Banned trans fat and food fried in unhealthy oils from school meals.

Invested millions of dollars in providing fresh fruits and vegetables in school meals.